Definition
Scope of Work
Neurology, in most cases, tag with other relate medical branches such as clinical neurophysiology (in the United States, this field is included within the scope of psychiatry), psychoneuroimmunology (concerned with interactions between the nervous systems and the immune system of the human body), and neuropsychiatry (mental disorders). The degree of the overlapping of these fields varies from country to country, depending on the medical prerequisites set by each government. It has been argued that there is no definitive distinction between neurology and psychiatry. Neurological disorders most of the time display psychiatric characteristics and attributes, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Degree and Training Required
i) A qualification in Internal Medicine such as M.Med (Int. Medicine) from any local
universities, MRCP (UK or Ire) or any qualification recognized by the Malaysian
Medical Council.
ii) Four years of supervised training in Internal Medicine.
Duration of training
A total duration of three years, one of which may be spent in an approved overseas
centre(s).
Year 1:
Training in clinical neurology
This period is used to familiarize with clinical method, spectrum of neurological
disorders, diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities.
Year 2:
Further experience in clinical neurophysiology will be acquired.
Candidates will be introduced to clinical neurophysiology in stages leading to
hands on experience and skills in interpretation and performance of common
neurophysiological test
Year 3:
The final year of training may be completed in an approved institution
overseas.
At least 6 months shall be spent in clinical neurology and the other 6 months in
either clinical neurophysiology, neuroradiology, neuropathology or any
neurology subspecialty or research. Reports of overseas training need to be
completed.
At the ending three year, the trainee should also complete a minimum of 1
research project.
Training Programme
The training is divided into 3 phases focusing in the areas of:
i) Clinical Neurology
24 months training in clinical neurology under direct supervision of an
accredited consultant. The trainee occupies a position requiring full
clinical participation and direct patient responsibility with call duties to
ensure adequate exposure and opportunities for independence judgment
and decision-making.
The programme is organized and conducted in a manner so as to
emphasize good medical practice. Trainees will be encouraged to examine
and appraise the result of their own and department activities. Patient care
will be based on comprehensive patient management taking cognizance of
the patient environment, family interaction, consequences of treatment and
need for rehabilitation.
ii) Clinical Neurophysiology
At least six months shall be spent in an accredited clinical
neurophysiology laboratory. The programme requires the trainee to have a
good understanding of relevant neuroanatomy, physiology, indications and
limitations of neurophysiological tests.
iii) Neuropathology/Neuroradiology or allied Neurology Subspecialty
This is an optional area of training where candidates may spend for up to
six months in an accredited laboratory or department.
Nature of Work
Neurologists are main care providers or consultants to other doctors. When a patient possesses a neurological illness that requires regular care, a neurologist is habitually the main care provider. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson's illness, Alzheimer's illness or multiple sclerosis might use a neurologist as their main care doctor.
In a consulting role, a neurologist will make a diagnosis and treat a neurological illness and then advise the main care doctor control the patient's general health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for situations as stroke, concussion or headache.
Neurologists can advise surgical treatment, but do not make a surgery. When treatment contains surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and control their continuing treatment.
Clinical neuropsychologists are often called upon to evaluate-brain-behavior relationships for the purpose of assisting with differential diagnosis , planning rehabilitation strategies, documenting cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and measuring change over time (e.g., for identifying abnormal aging or tracking the progression of a dementia ).
